Desired Patriots reunion is back on after latest free agency update
Most of the Patriots' offseason has been spent dreaming about Jerod Mayo and the new regime pulling off a blockbuster trade for a top-name wide receiver, mainly Brandon Aiyuk or Tee Higgins, to put their offense over the top.
Fans have been demanding it for the past several years, yet it looks like it's not in the cards anytime soon. Because of that, many turned their focus to a top-name free agent who spent four years in New England and recorded the best years of his career there.
Stephon Gilmore was a big signing in 2017 for more than just his massive contract, which didn't excite fans immediately. However, the cornerback proved to be worth it and more over the next four seasons by being named to three Pro Bowls, earning two First-Team All-Pro honors, and winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.
Despite it all, his time with the Patriots ended awkwardly and could almost be considered unjust. Gilmore was working his way back from an injury sustained the season before, and although he felt he was on track to return to the field, Bill Belichick disagreed, ultimately leading to the cornerback being traded to the Panthers in 2021.
Since then, he's played for the Colts and the Cowboys, and based on the most recent update regarding his status in Dallas, it looks like a reunion with the Patriots is back on.
Cowboys' lack of interest in Stephon Gilmore is a win for the Patriots
Despite still playing as one of the best cornerbacks in the league at age 33, Gilmore remains a free agent, and it looks like the Cowboys are not interested in re-signing him for another year or more.
Dallas made a few signings last week, specifically for their defense, which included the addition of cornerback Gareon Conley. He's a former first-round draft pick and will rejoin his former defensive coordinator from his days with the Raiders.
This makes it fair to assume Gilmore is no longer on the Cowboys' radar, and they plan to use the rest of their cap space on other free agents or hold onto it in case of emergency during the season ahead. This counteracts previous statements from the team, who claimed they were interested in bringing Gilmore back, opening the door for the Patriots to entice the cornerback to make his way back to Foxboro.
It works out perfectly for the Patriots since they need a boost in their cornerback room behind Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones. Gilmore is the perfect player for that role and would ensure the secondary is locked down whenever he's on the field.
At this stage in his career, he won't be too expensive to sign, but even if he were, the Patriots have plenty of cap space to get a deal done. Hopefully, they will soon, and the reunion many Patriots fans have dreamt of for the last several years will finally happen.